About Us

Our mission is to empower and uplift local charitable, voluntary community organisations and social enterprises. We believe in the transformative power of community action to create lasting, positive change. By championing these organisations, providing essential support and specialist advice, whilst fostering vibrant collaborations – We enable those who do good to flourish.

Our vision is to cultivate thriving communities where everyone feels they belong and can contribute to meaningful social action, making a real difference in the lives of others.

Our Why

NDVS exists to empower, support, connect, and champion the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector — the lifeblood of North Devon’s communities.

We provide essential guidance, training, advocacy, and opportunities for collaboration, helping organisations not just survive, but thrive. We also match individuals with meaningful volunteering opportunities, supporting both those who want to give their time and the organisations that need their help.

In a time of rising demand, we ensure that vital support reaches those who need it most. In a region facing significant deprivation and isolation, we work to bridge the gap between grassroots initiatives and policymakers — fostering stability, reducing fragmentation, and amplifying community voices.

Through connection, compassion, and celebration, we strengthen the backbone of North Devon’s charitable and social impact landscape — building a happier, healthier, and more inclusive future for all.

Our Aims

1. Strengthening the VCSE Sector

Actively support the strengthening of North Devon’s Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector by providing infrastructure services that enable organisations to build resilience, grow sustainably, and deliver meaningful impact.

2. Connecting, Collaborating, and Communicating

Strengthen the collective impact of North Devon’s VCSE sector by facilitating strategic connections, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and amplifying community voices through inclusive communication.

3. Funding and Advocacy

Support the financial sustainability and strategic positioning of North Devon’s VCSE sector by advocating for equitable investment, sharing funding intelligence, and enabling organisations to access and apply for resources effectively.

4. Community Intelligence and Systems Change

Harness and amplify community intelligence to influence systems, shape policy, and ensure that lived experience informs strategic decision-making across North Devon.

Some of the ways NDVS meet our aims:

DBS Checking Service

NDVS offer a DBS checking service for volunteers and employees of VCSE organisations. For more pricing & information please click here.

Project Hosting

We offer a flexible support package tailored to your groups needs. NDVS can host your project and provide you with the tools & guidance to help you succeed. For more information please click here.

Subsidised Training

NDVS offers a tailored calendar of subsidised training for volunteers and VCSE organisations. Please click here to access our calendar of events.

Facilitating Forums

NDVS hosts a number of forums. Please click here for more information.

One to One & Group Advice

To start a conversation please get in touch with [email protected].

Revitalising Volunteering Campaigns

NDVS organises a number of revitalising volunteering events throughout the year, please see our calendar for upcoming events.

Strategic Partnership Representation

Developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, such as local government, NHS locality care partnerships, other charitable organisations, business, and national organisations, to amplify the voice of the sector and advocate for its needs.